To contact the Department of State in the U.S. call 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or (202) 501-4444 (from overseas).

Contact the local police to report the incident and get immediate help. Request a copy of the police report.

Consular Assistance to U.S. Crime Victims:

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries. It can be more difficult because the victim may be in unfamiliar surroundings, and may not know the local language or customs. Consular officers, consular agents, and local employees at overseas posts know local government agencies and resources in the country where they work.

We can help:

Replace a stolen passport

Contact family, friends, or employers

Obtain appropriate medical care

Address emergency needs that arise as a result of the crime

Explain the local criminal justice process

Obtain information about your case

Connect you to local and U.S.-based resources to assist victims of crime

Obtain information about any local and U.S. victim compensation programs available

Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English

We cannot:

Investigate crimes

Provide legal advice or represent you in court

Serve as official interpreters or translators

Pay legal, medical, or other fees for you

Resources and Information for Crime Victims upon Return to the United States:

Some U.S. cities and communities offer programs to help residents who are victims of overseas crime, including:

Rape crisis counseling programs

Shelter and counseling programs for battered women

Support groups and bereavement counseling for family members and friends of murder victims

Diagnostic and treatment programs for child abuse victims

Assistance for victims of drunk driving crashes

All U.S. states provide victim compensation programs, however only some states offer benefits to residents who are victims of violent crime overseas. Most compensation programs require the victim to file a report at the time of the incident, and to provide a copy with the application. Programs include financial assistance to pay for:

Contact Information for Victim Assistance Programs:

DISCLAIMER: The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the organizations whose names appear below. This referral does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of the U.S. Department of State.

Sexual Assault:

RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) – Toll-free 24/7 hotline for sexual assault counseling and referrals: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN also offers a hotline that provides live, secure, anonymous crisis support for victims of sexual violence, their friends, and familiies over RAINN’s website. The Online Hotline is free of charge and is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week!

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence – The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence offers a safe home and shelter programs, public education, and technical assistance. They also have a list of state and international organizations that can assist domeestic violence victims. 303-839-1852

Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center – The center serves abused Americans, mostly women and children, in both civilian and military populations overseas. The 24/7 international crisis hotline 1-866-USWOMEN (1-866-879-6636) can be called toll free from overseas.